Home > Tours > New Zealand Tours > South Island Tours > New Zealand South Island Splendour

New Zealand South Island Splendour

5 Days Christchurch to Queenstown
New Zealand South Island Splendour
New Zealand South Island Splendour
New Zealand South Island Splendour

Overview

AAT Kings
Trip Operated By:
 (488) Reviews
Total No. of Tours 90
Travel from the garden city of Christchurch to the adventure capital of Queenstown, uncovering alpine landscapes, heritage towns and southern hospitality along the way. Cruise beneath towering cliffs and waterfalls in Piopiotahi (Milford Sound), explore Invercargill’s unique character, with an option to venture to remote Rakiura (Stewart Island). This journey blends natural wonders, local stories and meaningful experiences including a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® farm visit.
Save 11%
Our Price From
A$2,816 per person
Price shown based on twin share
Save up to $349 per person
Check Availability
Trip Length
5 Days
Trip Starts
Christchurch
Trip Ends
Queenstown
Trip Style
Small Group
Accommodation
3.5 - 4 Star
Budget
Affordable
Age Range
5-99 Years
Max. Group Size
24
Guide Style
Fully Guided
Tour Code
CIQ
Countries Visited:

Itinerary

Meet your Travel Director this morning before discovering the highlights of Ōtautahi (Christchurch), including the innovative Cardboard Cathedral and the tranquil Botanic Gardens. Journey across the Canterbury Plains via Geraldine and the Waitaki Valley, arriving in Omarama for your evening stay.

Accommodation: Distinction Heritage Gateway Hotel
Included Meals: Dinner

Travel south to the historic township of Clyde, where preserved gold rush buildings now house charming cafes and boutiques. Continue to Invercargill and explore Bill Richardson Transport World on a guided tour showcasing an extraordinary collection of vintage and classic vehicles.

Accommodation: Distinction Invercargill
Included Meals: Breakfast

Today is yours to explore the southern reaches of Aotearoa (New Zealand). Perhaps join Optional Experiences*, to Rakiura (Stewart Island), a remote sanctuary rich in native wildlife and rugged coastal beauty, or discover Invercargill's heritage, from classic motorcycles to nostalgic local treats.

Accommodation: Distinction Invercargill
Included Meals: Breakfast

Journey into Fiordland National Park and arrive at breathtaking Piopiotahi (Milford Sound). Cruise through this dramatic landscape of sheer cliffs, cascading waterfalls and rainforest, with opportunities to spot seals and native birdlife, before continuing to Te Anau for your overnight stay.

Accommodation: Distinction Luxmore Hotel Te Anau
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Experience life on a working farm at Real Country, where sheep dog mustering and horse demonstrations bring rural traditions to life. This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience supports the Fairlight Foundation, advancing women in agriculture, before visiting historic Arrowtown and continuing to Queenstown, where your short break concludes.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Trip Inclusions

  • Exclusive Guided Tour at Transport World in Invercargill
  • MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the Real Country Farm Show
  • Visit Historic gold-mining village of Arrowtown
  • Cruise on Piopiotahi/Milford Sound

  • Expert Travel Directors, Driver Guides and Local Guides to enrich your on-tour experience
  • National Park entrance fees
  • Comfortable accommodation in premium 3 to 4-star hotels located nearby key attractions
  • Premium coaches with Wi-Fi (where available) and USB charging stations

  • 2 Dinners (D)
  • 4 Breakfasts (B)

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Warm layers in cooler months
  • Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat
  • Water bottle
  • Camera

  • Day prior: Flights to arrive anytime into Christchurch Airport
  • Day 5: Flights to depart after 4.00pm from Queenstown Airport
  • Airport to Hotel transfers are available to purchase on request.
  • Flights to and from your tour are not included in the tour price.

  • Medium level of fitness required.

  • Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included

Operator

AAT Kings
Total No. of Tours90
Choosing AAT Kings for your Australia or New Zealand holiday guarantees you’ll benefit from the insider secrets, off-the-beaten-path destinations and authentic interactions with local characters that only 100 years of experience can provide. With over a hundred years’ experience in sharing Australia more with our guests, AAT Kings holds exclusive access to some truly unique locations, secret trails and roads less travelled that add so much value to the overall travel experience.

At AAT Kings, our on-road staff are best in class. Our Travel Directors, Driver Guides and Drivers are hand-picked for their passion, experience, and enthusiasm for the spectacular countries we live in. There is truly no one better to share with you the best destinations across Australia and New Zealand. We have been perfecting our itineraries and products for over 100 years, so the benefits gained from travelling with us are unrivalled. With over 150 expertly crafted holiday itineraries to choose from, we offer something for everyone.
Trip Style: Small Group
Trip Style: Small Group

A maximum of 24 guests ensures a more personalised, small group travel experience. From staying in unique accommodations only available to smaller groups to the opportunity to get to know like-minded travellers, each tour balances guided activities with free time, allowing you to explore at your own pace.

Perfect for solo travellers, multi-generational families, friends or couples wanting to explore Australia and New Zealand.

Play Youtube Video

Download Brochure

AAT Kings New Zealand (2026-27) Brochure

AAT Kings New Zealand (2026-27)

New Zealand’s dramatic landscapes, from glacier-carved gorges and star-filled skies to rainforests and fjords, set the stage for unforgettable adventures. With AAT Kings, expert Travel Directors and local storytellers bring the country to life through rich Māori traditions, hidden gems, and warm hospitality. Every journey is seamless, immersive, and more filled with moments that turn travel into something truly magical.

Dates & Pricing AUD AUD

Friday 23 Apr 2027 23 Apr 27 Christchurch
Tuesday 27 Apr 2027 27 Apr 27 Queenstown
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Small Group Departure
Was: $3,155
A$2,816
Save $339
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday 01 Oct 2027 01 Oct 27 Christchurch
Tuesday 05 Oct 2027 05 Oct 27 Queenstown
Details
Available Departure
Exclusive Savings
Small Group Departure
Was: $3,155
A$2,816
Save $339
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday 29 Oct 2027 29 Oct 27 Christchurch
Tuesday 02 Nov 2027 02 Nov 27 Queenstown
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Small Group Departure
Was: $3,155
A$2,816
Save $339
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday 19 Nov 2027 19 Nov 27 Christchurch
Tuesday 23 Nov 2027 23 Nov 27 Queenstown
Details
Available Departure
Exclusive Savings
Small Group Departure
Was: $3,155
A$2,816
Save $339
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday 26 Nov 2027 26 Nov 27 Christchurch
Tuesday 30 Nov 2027 30 Nov 27 Queenstown
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Small Group Departure
Was: $3,155
A$2,816
Save $339
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday 10 Dec 2027 10 Dec 27 Christchurch
Tuesday 14 Dec 2027 14 Dec 27 Queenstown
Details
Available Departure
Exclusive Savings
Small Group Departure
Was: $3,155
A$2,816
Save $339
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday 31 Dec 2027 31 Dec 27 Christchurch
Tuesday 04 Jan 2028 04 Jan 28 Queenstown
Details
Available Departure
Exclusive Savings
Small Group Departure
Was: $3,155
A$2,816
Save $339
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday 21 Jan 2028 21 Jan 28 Christchurch
Tuesday 25 Jan 2028 25 Jan 28 Queenstown
Details
Available Departure
Exclusive Savings
Small Group Departure
Was: $3,155
A$2,816
Save $339
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday 28 Jan 2028 28 Jan 28 Christchurch
Tuesday 01 Feb 2028 01 Feb 28 Queenstown
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Small Group Departure
Was: $3,155
A$2,816
Save $339
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday 04 Feb 2028 04 Feb 28 Christchurch
Tuesday 08 Feb 2028 08 Feb 28 Queenstown
Details
Available Departure
Exclusive Savings
Small Group Departure
Was: $3,250
A$2,901
Save $349
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday 18 Feb 2028 18 Feb 28 Christchurch
Tuesday 22 Feb 2028 22 Feb 28 Queenstown
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Small Group Departure
Was: $3,250
A$2,901
Save $349
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday 25 Feb 2028 25 Feb 28 Christchurch
Tuesday 29 Feb 2028 29 Feb 28 Queenstown
Details
Available Departure
Exclusive Savings
Small Group Departure
Was: $3,250
A$2,901
Save $349
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday 03 Mar 2028 03 Mar 28 Christchurch
Tuesday 07 Mar 2028 07 Mar 28 Queenstown
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Small Group Departure
Was: $3,250
A$2,901
Save $349
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday 17 Mar 2028 17 Mar 28 Christchurch
Tuesday 21 Mar 2028 21 Mar 28 Queenstown
Details
Not Available
Our Price
A$3,250
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by AAT Kings. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

Similar Tours

4 Day Jewels of the Bay (AAT Kings)

4 Days Auckland Auckland

Operated By: AAT Kings

From 1,401
Save 269
4 Day New Zealand South Island Highlights (AAT Kings)

4 Days Queenstown Christchurch

Operated By: AAT Kings

From 2,745
Save 330
4 Day New Zealand South Island Discovery (AAT Kings)

4 Days Christchurch Queenstown

Operated By: AAT Kings

From 1,941
Save 241
10 Day New Zealand's Northern Gems (AAT Kings)

10 Days Wellington Auckland

Operated By: AAT Kings

From 5,654
Save 702